Turtle Bay News A Publication of the Turtle Bay Association Spring 2006 Vol. 49, No. 2 Keeping the Quiet: Issue Gains Momentum

s in many neighborhoods, the noisy bar scene’s in filing what is called an Article 78 appeal, after the S.L.A. granted impact on quality-of-life has been a Turtle Bay topic for a license to the disco bar last December, despite strong opposition Ayears. But recently, the issue has come to the forefront: A from Community Board 6 – which unanimously voted to oppose neighborhood group went to court to keep a disco bar from open- the bar “in the strongest terms possible” – and opposition from the ing on 46th Street; Assemblyman Jonathan Bing has introduced Turtle Bay Association, Assemblyman Bing and other elected of- legislation to overhaul the bar licensing process; and numerous calls ficials. The bar would be open until 4 a.m., a D.J. playing music are being made for changes to the composition of the State Liquor for up to 100 patrons and windows opening onto 46th Street. Authority, the agency charged with granting liquor licenses. The neighborhood group’s case is scheduled to be heard in State While noise problems in Turtle Bay are clearly less onerous than Supreme Court in mid-May. The TBA has filed a statement of sup- in many Manhattan communities, neighbors, particularly along port in the proceeding. Second Avenue, remain concerned. Here is a look at some of the At the core of the residents’ opposition to the Embassy is what issues, and what is being done about them – with perspectives from is known as the “500-foot rule.” Under law, an applicant whose residents, elected officials, police, the State Liquor Authority, and establishment falls within 500 feet of three or more entities with the bars themselves. liquor licenses must show that being granted a license is in the Neighbors Go to Court “public interest.” The proposed Embassy bar was within 500 feet In the area around 46th Street and Second Avenue, a coalition of of twelve entities with liquor licenses. And contrary to being in neighbors calling itself “Ban the Bar” has won a temporary restrain- the public interest, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer ing order to stop the State Liquor Authority (S.L.A.) from issuing a said recently that the Embassy would be in direct “conflict” with license to the Embassy disco bar, planned on the site of the former residents’ interests. Stringer, along with Assemblyman Bing, State Hsin Yu Restaurant. The neighborhood group turned to the courts, Senator Liz Krueger and City Councilman Dan Garodnick, spoke continued on page 6 TBA, Community Leaders Briefed on U.N. Renovation ne thing is for sure: the ’ aging complex of buildings is in dire need of renovation. What is not so clear Ois just how the big world body is going to accomplish this massive, expensive and time-consuming project, called the Capital Master Plan, which was first announced more than five years ago. At two recent briefings sponsored jointly with the Turtle Bay As- sociation for the TBA Board and local community leaders, U.N. Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of the Capital Master Plan, Louis Reuter, outlined the obstacles facing the United Nations in moving its plans forward. And to illustrate the seriousness of the refurbishment needs, attendees at the meetings were given a tour of the facilities’ inner workings, where exfoliating asbestos- clad pipes, antiquated switchgear and leaky rooftops were readily apparent. Built between 1948 and 1952 according to 1938 building code standards, the buildings are long past due for renovation. One of the first signs of spring in Turtle Bay – the daffodils in the U.N. But obstacles remain, and so no work has yet begun. At the brief- Park. This year, the park is open to the public for the first time in five years. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (See Newsworthy Notes, page 3) continued on page 8

TBA•224 E. 47TH ST. NYC 10017•212-751-5465•FAX 212-751-4941• WWW.turtlebay-nyc.org •[email protected] Mark Your Calendar Waterside Nears Showdown � Sunday, May 7 BY BRUCE A. SILBERBLATT Turtle Bay Street Fair he City Planning Commission held project containing a floor area of Second Avenue from 43rd to 53rd two back-to-back hearings in late 5,120,000 square feet, a 13.5 ratio to the 212-751-5465 TMarch to consider the Con Edison site area and exceeding the highest in the � Saturday, May 13 Waterside redevelopment project. Crowds neighborhood. It includes underground Katharine Hepburn Garden Party of community residents, elected officials parking for 1,550 vehicles, a 57-story 1-3 p.m. and representatives of neighborhood groups combined office and residential building Dag Hammarskjold Plaza – including the TBA – packed the big Shot- (864 feet), and seven residential towers 212-969-8820; 212-751-5465 tenstein Center auditorium on to ranging from 40 stories (528 feet) to 67 � Wednesday, May 31 voice their concerns, demanding a radical stories (836 feet). By comparison, the Children’s Puppet Performance downsizing from what the developer, Shel- stands 861 feet and 10:30 a.m. don Solow’s Realty Company the U.N. Secretariat, 505 feet. MacArthur Playground (ERRC), is proposing. 212-751-5465 ERRC Wants Commercial Zoning (See story, page 4) The hearings, called scoping hearings, are To do this, ERRC would first, merge a one- held to consider what information should be � Saturday, June 3 acre lot occupied by a Con Ed substation 17th Precinct Street Fair considered when the Environmental Impact west of one of the four parcels on the site, from 43rd to 57th Statement is written about the development. gaining some 400,000 zoning square feet; 212-826-3228 Here is a look at the ERRC plan, the second, obtain an 850,000 square foot zon- � Saturday, June 10 community’s reaction, and a counterplan ing floor area plaza bonus from 3.4 acres of Outdoor Art Show proposed by Community Board 6 that has so-called park that is planned; third, retain High School of Art & Design been embraced by neighbors and elected 39th and 40th Streets, rather than returning 10 a.m.-3 p.m. officials alike. them to the city; and fourth, obtain 100 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Includes Two Closed Streets percent commercial zoning, even though 212-969-8820 the project is 80 percent residential and � Saturday, June 24 The nine-acre site runs along the area has had no commercial zoning Empire Autorama from 35th to 41st Streets and includes two previously. Classic Cars on Display streets that have long been closed by Con Clearly, ERRC wants 100 percent com- 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Edison – 39th and 40th Streets between First Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Avenue and the FDR Drive. Currently, the mercial zoning because residential zoning 646-932-0421 land is zoned manufacturing. would bar plaza bonuses and mandate build- ing a “tower on base” structure, compelling � Last Tuesday every month ERRC proposes an office and residential far lower buildings. The only way ERRC 17th Precinct Community Council might obtain a similar bonus is through Open Meeting, 6 p.m. inclusionary affordable housing, but the TBA’s Cartoonist Dies 225 East ERRC project calls for market-rate, luxury 212-826-3228 Walt McGovern, cartoonist for the Tur- apartments, not affordable housing. (No meetings July, August, tle Bay News for the past 15 years, died No Waterfront Access December) April 10. After a career as art director of The project calls for neither a school nor � Second Wednesday every month the advertising agency BBDO, and then as a cartoon illustrator for corporate cli- adequate retail shops, even though there Community Board 6 could be as many as 4,000 apartments Full Board Meeting, 7 p.m. ents, Walt volunteered to draw cartoons in the project. And forget waterfront ac- NYU Medical Center for the newsletter. His cartoons not only 550 First Avenue brightened its pages, but they also carried cess: ERRC’s plan ends at a 20-foot wall 212-319-3750 a message that helped solidify commu- overlooking the FDR Drive. The project’s nity support. One of his first cartoons in much touted 3.4 acre park, hemmed in by TBA Contacts: the early 1990s took on Peter Detmold tall buildings, would result in an enclave Phone: 212-751-5465 Park, which had become overrun with for residents, not a place for neighbors to Fax: 212-751-4941 dogs before the dog run was built. His enjoy. As for shadows, ERRC inadequately E-mail: [email protected] last cartoon, for the Fall 2005 newsletter, mitigates them by reshaping or re-orienting Web Site: www.turtlebay-nyc.org addressed the issue of noisy bars. the towers. Check our Bulletin Board: Walt is survived by three daughters and Community Board 6 has been heavily in- of Second Avenue, five grandchildren. He will be missed volved for several years. Last year, it met between 48th and 49th Streets, with ERRC’s architects, offering objec- on outside wall of the supermarket. by all of Turtle Bay. continued on page 5

2 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org New Condos Rising Around the ‘Bay’ Plaza Decision Raises Concerns t least four high-rise condominium buildings are planned As the Turtle Bay News went to press, the Patio – the popular or under construction in the Turtle Bay community. At the café that has operated at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza for the past Acorner of 46th Street and First Avenue, on the site of what three years – was informed by the City Parks Department that is now the Anti-Defamation League Building, Macklowe Properties it had lost its bid to continue operating at the site and would be replaced by the New York Milkshake Company. plans what it calls an “architecturally distinctive” condo building to reflect its prominent location. There are reports that Macklowe is The decision immediately raised concerns among community in talks with the world-renowned architect Renzo Piano to design leaders. The Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, the non-profit group that maintains the Plaza and its garden, says the Patio the building, located at 823 United Nations Plaza. provides the right ambience for the Plaza and has played a key A spokesman for Macklowe would not discuss the planned height role in increasing the little park’s vitality. In a meeting with Parks of the new building. But because it is being designed as a tower Department officials arranged by Assemblyman Jonathan Bing, – not a “base and tower” – it is expected to be considerably taller and in a subsequent letter, the Friends’ Board asked for clarifica- tion of how the bidding process was handled. than the approximately 30-story limitation on a base and tower structure. The spokesman said the building’s design is in the “very The Parks Committee of Community Board 6 also raised ques- preliminary stages, but its ground floor surroundings will have a tions. It asked the Department to provide information on the general process of awarding concession licenses, and says theme of greenery and landscaping to complement the neighbor- it will address how the bidding process can be made more ing Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, as well as the United Nations Park transparent. across the Avenue.” The Patio, owned by Hospitality Holdings, operates year-round Meanwhile, new high-rise condominiums are well underway at from the small glass house on the Plaza. “We’re very committed Second Avenue and , on both the southeast and southwest to the beautiful Plaza location,” says Patio Manager Ken McClure. corners. The “ThreeTen” condo on the east side of the Avenue, also “To have to leave would be a big disappointment for us.” being developed by Macklowe, will be ready for occupancy in June. The changeover to the Milkshake Company, most recently More than 70 percent of the 88 apartments in the 31-story building located on St. Mark’s Place, would be in late June when the had been sold as of April, many to young couples with children current license expires. who, Macklowe says, are attracted to the area by the convenience of being close to the office and yet having recreational activities the fall of next year. nearby. Condos in the building start at $2.2 million. And at 250-254 East 49th Street, the foundations for a 20-story condo Construction of the “Veneto” condo, at 250 East 53rd Street across are proceeding. Late last year, excavation seriously undercut and the street from “ThreeTen,” has just begun. The developer, Related damaged adjoining buildings. So severely damaged was 915 Second Companies, plans a 32-story structure with 137 apartments, ranging Avenue, site of Thady Con’s restaurant, that it remains vacant four from one- to three-bedrooms and two penthouses. Related says prices months later. The building at 248 East 49th Street was also damaged. will start at approximately $950,000, with occupancy planned for The TBA will closely monitor the construction work.

Newsworthy Notes

Smell the Roses. Neighbors shouldn’t and computer classes. Managed by the Marie-Louise also is looking for volunteers to miss the U.N. Park’s glorious Rose Gar- Parks Department, the Center is at 348 work in neighborhood parks during the sum- den when it’s at the height of its bloom East . Call 212-754-5411 for mer. Contact the TBA office if interested. in mid-June. Listed as an official public information. A Gift for Summer Visitors. Now that it’s garden of the All America Rose Selections I T Turtle Bay. Sign up a new Turtle walking season again, stock up on copies organization, it contains hundreds of va- Bay Association member, and the TBA of “A Day in Turtle Bay,” a walking tour of rieties of roses, all labeled with signage will send you an “I T Turtle Bay” T-shirt. the neighborhood. It is $5 if picked up at throughout the garden’s diagonal path- Just call the TBA office with the new the TBA office, or $7, to cover postage, if way. The garden is located at the south- member’s name, and you’ll receive a T- mailed. Contact TBA office for details. east corner of the park’s North Lawn. shirt as soon as the membership coupon Former City Councilman Dies. Rob- ‘Best Deal in Town.’ An annual member- and dues are received. ert Dryfoos, who represented the Turtle ship at the 54th Street Recreation Center Want to Help With Our Parks? TBA Bay community as City Councilman in is almost too good to pass up: $75 for Parks Committee Chair Marie-Louise Han- the 1980s, died recently at the age of those age 54 and younger; $10 for 55 and dal has scheduled two upcoming planning 63. During his 11 years on the Council, older; free for teens under 18. Included is meetings for anyone interested in help- he was a strong supporter of Turtle Bay use of the Center’s vast array of facilities, ing out with neighborhood parks issues: causes, and was instrumental in helping including its 60-foot-long pool, as well as 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27 and June the community fight to reopen the 48th fitness programs, and swimming, dance 17, at PK’s Place, 211 East 46th Street. Street ramp to the FDR Drive. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 3 TBA Board at Work Summer Plantings Coming Soon The following is a summary of issues ook for red, white and pink begonias have been installed on First Avenue between and activities addressed at recent TBA – along with some impatiens – in 51st and . They are the same Board meetings, as reflected in the LTurtle Bay tree beds this summer, re- sturdy black steel tree-bed enclosures that meeting minutes. The TBA: placing the daffodils and tulips that blos- are used by the Sutton Area Community for � is monitoring, with Community Board 6 somed in spring. beds that it maintains on the Avenue north of and as part of the East Midtown Coalition 52nd Street. Other new tree-bed enclosures, for Sensible Development, plans for the “We find that begonias not only produce bright, long-lasting flowers, but they are the wrought-iron wicket and cobblestone Con Ed Waterside development and style, have been installed along 49th Street United Nations renovation project. hardy under most weather conditions,” says Bill Huxley, president of the Turtle Bay Tree between First and Second Avenues. And � has joined other neighborhood interests Fund and manager of TBA’s Tree Program. several black steel fence enclosures have in opposing MTA’s planned utility building been placed on 51st Street in the block on East , which has now been Bill says the Doe Fund has been hired again between First and Second Avenues. modified. this year to water the beds twice a week, and � is closely watching neighborhood to remove litter three times a week. He says The Turtle Bay Tree Fund maintains the construction sites, including 250-254 that in the area, where the tree beds on cross streets from 48th to 51st East 49th Street, for safety and other local building workers are committed to wa- Streets, from Third Avenue to Beekman concerns. tering each day, the tree beds will be planted Place. It is funded solely by private con- � worked to ensure re-opening of the with impatiens, a profusely flowering plant tributions, including an annual grant from pocket park at 240 East , in- that needs a daily dose of water. the TBA. Meanwhile, the TBA’s Tree Pro- cluding communications to the City De- gram maintains the trees and tree beds along partment of Buildings and the building’s M e a n - Second Avenue from 43rd to 53rd Streets. Its owner. The park is scheduled to reopen w h i l e , funding comes from TBA membership dues shortly. the Tree and other fund raisers throughout the year. � supports community parks, including Fund has the currently planned refurbishment of purchased For more information on the Tree Fund, Amster Pavilion in Peter Detmold Park. four new write Turtle Bay Tree Fund, 208 East 51st � continues to work to beautify the tree-bed Street, Apt. 238, New York, NY 10022. neighborhood through the TBA Tree e n c l o - TBA’s Tree Program can be reached by Program and support of the Turtle Bay Daffodils will turn to begonias Tree Fund. and impatiens for the summer. sures that contacting the TBA directly.

� has sponsored or supported recent neighborhood events, including a Val- Puppets to Perform at the Playground entine Party and Dinner in February, and upcoming Turtle Bay Street Fair, Turtle Bay youngsters are in for a treat on assure a space is available (212-751-5465; Katharine Hepburn Garden Party and Wednesday, May 31, when puppeteers of [email protected]). In case of children’s puppet performance in Mac- the Swedish Marionette Theatre perform rain, the performance will be at Holy Family Arthur Playground. “The Princess, the Emperor and the Dove” Church auditorium, 315 East 47th Street. � produced a pocket guide and walking at MacArthur Playground, tour of Turtle Bay historical and the children’s park at 49th architectural sites. Street and the East River. The performance by the Theatre, Bike Safety Bill founded in 1939, is presented by the New York City Parks State Senator Liz Krueger has introduced a Foundation and sponsored bill intended to reduce the number of bicy- by the TBA. It will begin at clists on sidewalks, a potential safety issue 10:30 a.m. and be followed for pedestrians. Senator Krueger says most by a puppet-making workshop of the bicycles are related to food delivery at 11:30. businesses, and so her bill would hold mer- chants liable for violations issued to bicy- TBA Parks Committee chair, clists who are employees or subcontractors Marie-Louise Handal, says of that business, when the violations occur reservations are not required in the course of their work. for the performance, but if children are planning to attend Last year, she also opposed a bill to legalize the workshop, parents should Turtle Bay neighbor Janet Heiligman was out early in the use of Segway electric vehicles on side- call or e-mail the TBA office to the morning for her pick of pansies at the Greenmarket. walks. The bill died in the Assembly.

4 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org TBA Friends Warm a Winter’s Night An evening of dinner, dancing and good cheer warmed up an otherwise chilly February night as some 100 neighbors and friends came together for the annual TBA Valentine Party. A mid-winter tradition for 22 years, this year’s party attracted many first-time guests. Held at La Maganette on 50th Street, the event was planned by Barbara Connolly and her team. Norman Curtis performed the music and Turtle Bay neighbors provided the fun.

Shown clockwise from top left: George Vellonakis, architect who designed Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, and entertainer Tina Louise; Jessica Kifer and Richard Brazzano; Natalie Michaels; Juan and Haifa Bautista (standing) and Phyllis and Irwin Simon (seated); Meryl Brodsky; Fran Walsh (left) and Adrienne Lehman; Judith Binney and City Councilman Dan Garodnick; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and TBA Board member Dolores Marsh; Gloria Gelfand; and Thomas LaBarbera and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

Waterside continued from page 2 � 39th and 40th Streets: returned to the tains waterfront access, imposes a much tions and constructive suggestions – but community. smaller infrastructure burden, and creates to no avail. Now the Board has submitted � Use: all residential with ample retail; a vibrant Manhattan streetscape. In short, a plan of its own, a 197-C plan, to the City no commercial offices. the CB6 counterproposal enhances; the Planning Commission. It is a realistic, rea- � Waterfront: access via 39th and 40th ERRC plan overwhelms. sonable and urbane counterproposal. There Street, footbridges and deck over the are significant differences between it and FDR Drive with a waterfront park from Public Voice Is Clear the ERRC design: 38th to 40th Streets. The TBA believes it is essential that the City � Floor area and bulk: 25 to 30 percent � Affordable housing: 20 percent or more. Planning Commission give the Community less than the ERRC plan. � Parking spaces: 75 percent less than the Board 6 proposal equal consideration as that � “Tower on base” construction, not ERRC plan. of the developer. At the March hearings, it sheer towers. The Community Board 6 concept is consis- heard a loud and clear public voice, a voice � Height: 400 feet maximum, not 528- tent with the environs, defers to the United demanding a project that only the Commu- 864 feet. Nations complex in terms of height, con- nity Board 6 plan provides. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 5 Keeping the Quiet... lives in an apartment on Second Avenue with licensed premises.” continued from page 1 says, “Nobody is arguing that we shouldn’t Also, some big developers who are build- at a Turtle Bay rally called to protest the have bars, and that young people shouldn’t ing or planning new high-rise apartment liquor licensing process. have fun. But it seems we have too many buildings in the neighborhood are known bars in too small an area.” Indeed, it’s generally agreed that the “public to believe that with more family-oriented, interest” test is too easily met by simply show- Neighbors say the noise starts before and expensive, high-rise condos, the whole ing that the bar is providing jobs and entertain- midnight and reaches a crescendo at character of the neighborhood will change ment, with no offsetting consideration for the 4:30 a.m., closing time for the bars, when as new businesses open up. over-saturation of bars in the neighborhood. customers are leaving the area. “Not only What seems clear is that with so much atten- loud bar customers, but cars and taxis honking Legislation for Change tion being paid to the issue – from legisla- are very disturbing, even awakening residents tors, police and others – the situation should Meanwhile, as neighbors took to the courts, in my building,” says Gabrielle Morandiere. improve. And in the meantime, neighbors Assemblyman Jonathan Bing has taken the She and a group of fellow residents of Con- can help by calling 311 – with specific infor- legislative route. He has introduced a bill in naught Tower have formed an ad hoc “Cars mation – when they have serious complaints Albany to require the S.L.A. to take local and Bars Committee” to try to help. about noise. community boards more seriously before “Community Board 6 has been very help- granting licenses to bars falling within the Editor’s Note: In a letter to TBA members ful,” Ms. Morandiere says. But she says “500-foot rule.” earlier this year, funds were solicited to the most immediate relief was “self-help”: help finance a legal proceeding to reverse His bill states that if a community board She and her committee helped arrange for the S.L.A.’s granting a liquor license to the issues a resolution against granting a liquor residents, at their own expense, to purchase Embassy disco bar. The letter stated that license, as it did in the Embassy case, the sound-proof windows that were installed if sufficient funds were collected in a timely resolution should be viewed as “presump- behind the building’s originals. manner, the TBA agreed to be the principal tive” evidence that a license is not in the Police Meet with Bar Owners plaintiff in the proceeding; if not, contribu- public interest, and that the S.L.A. may then tions would be returned. While many con- only grant the license if it shows – in writing The police point out that loud talking and tributions were received, the amount was not – how granting the license is indeed in the gathering on the sidewalks is, of course, not adequate to move forward and the money has public interest. a law enforcement issue. Police Officer Jim Meury of the 17th Precinct says bar owners been returned. The “Ban the Bar” group “For too long, the S.L.A. has ignored neigh- have been very cooperative and are doing that has won a temporary restraining order, borhood and community board input,” Bing what they can to be good neighbors. The reported in this story, is financing the pro- says, “My bill will give the community Precinct’s “cabaret force” of nine officers ceeding independently of the TBA. boards more power in the process.” patrols bars nightly, and the Precinct meets Calls for New York City Member formally with bar owners to review issues Turtle Bay Association Bing has also joined State Senator Liz and procedures. President: William E. Curtis Krueger and other state legislators from For their part, bar owners point to the city Vice Presidents: Millie Margiotta, the city in signing a letter to Governor smoking ban, which since it was passed Dolores Marsh, Bruce Silberblatt Pataki urging him to appoint a New York three years ago, has forced smokers on to the Treasurer: Francine Irwin City resident to fill a vacancy that opened up street. “We would love to keep our custom- Secretary: Barbara Connolly recently when one of the three S.L.A. com- ers inside our establishments,” says one bar Directors: Jed Abrams, missioners resigned. The letter notes that owner, “but if they want to smoke, the space Ethel Bendove, Bunny Blei, 39 percent of liquor licenses issued by the Meryl Brodsky, Barbara Connolly, out front is the only place for them to go.” William E. Curtis, Denise Hamilton, S.L.A. are issued to establishments in New Encouraging Signs Marie-Louise Handal, Pamela Hanlon, York City, yet not one of the current com- Olga Hoffmann, Bill Huxley, Richard Irwin, missioners is from here. There hasn’t been a There are some encouraging signs. Re- Millie Margiotta, Dolores Marsh, New York City resident on the S.L.A. since cently, the S.L.A. named its first-ever Patricia Q. McDougald, Francine Irwin, 1976. The Bloomberg administration, too, executive director, Joshua Toas, to provide Michael Resnick, Carol Rinzler, more hands-on administration of the 75- Jeannie Sakol, Helen Shapiro, is urging that the job be filled with someone Bruce Silberblatt familiar with the New York City area. year-old agency. And 17th Precinct Police were pleased to learn that earlier this year, Concerns in a Nutshell Turtle Bay News the Chairman’s position at the S.L.A. was Editor: Pamela Hanlon So just what are the complaints all about? filled with an upstate career law enforce- Contributors: Terri Heveran, The 17th Precinct says that the vast major- ment officer, Daniel Boyle. “That can only Olga Hoffmann, Bill Huxley, ity of calls to 311 in the Turtle Bay area are be helpful,” says Officer Meury. “Too often Millie Margiotta, Patricia Q. McDougald, complaints about noise, most of those about in the past, we have received little or no sup- Rita Rowan, Bruce Silberblatt noise coming from the sidewalk out front port, nor cooperation, from the S.L.A. when Photography: Vivian Gordon of local bars. One local merchant who also we requested it in dealing with problems

6 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Featuring neighborhood establishments EYE ON BUSINESS that help make Turtle Bay a special place to live and work

PHYLLIS LUCAS GALLERY AND OLD PRINT CENTER

ith a history dating back to 1928, not only for its original fine art but as an was the first North American publisher of his the Phyllis Lucas Gallery and Old art publishing house specializing in French lithographs and published 26 editions of his WPrint Center, located in the heart etchings under the label, “Paris Etching images. Dali became a frequent visitor and a of Turtle Bay, is one of the oldest antiquar- Society.” Michael’s father contracted with friend of Mrs. Lucas, who died in 1995. ian print galleries in New York City. French artists for publishing editions of Art Collectors to Home Decorators The gallery has long been known for its their work. “One of my parents’ most no- Today, the gallery enjoys a wide diversity of fine collection of antique, modern and table projects was a series of classic scenes clients. “We have art collectors looking for a contemporary works on paper. And in specific artist, newly settled Turtle Bay resi- recent years gallery owner Michael Lucas, dents in search of a 17th century world map, son of Sidney Lucas who first opened the and sometimes a U. N. employee comes in shop, has expanded its selection of paint- to look for an image of Turtle Bay as a gift ings and now includes sculpture and fine for a departing ambassador,” Michael says. art photography as well. Home decorators find the Old Print Center “First-time visitors are always struck by our a good source for botanical or bird prints, wide range of works – engravings, etchings, and tourists who drop by might find a print lithography and other mediums,” Michael of their home town. says. “Some date back to the 16th century, Michael is assisted in the gallery by his wife and represent just about every geographical Rachel Newman – a painter in her own right, region.” The walls of the Lucas Gallery and former editor for 20 years of “Country Liv- are covered with finely framed Piranesi Michael Lucas holds an antique French engrav- ing Magazine.” Both she and Michael delight etchings, Currier and Ives lithographs, and ing of “Diana the Huntress.” in explaining the gallery’s art to new clients. silk screens by Josef Albers, all of which of New York City during the first half of Besides its collection of fine and decorative Michael enjoys discussing with newcomers the 19th century,” he says. “They remain art, the gallery is known for its custom fram- to the gallery. an important part of our decorative print ing, with a full range of archival, museum inventory today.” Interesting History quality framing services. In its current location – 981 Second Avenue After Sidney Lucas died in the mid-1960s, Contemporary Artists Exhibited at the corner of 52nd Street – since 1961, Michael’s mother, Phyllis, actively carried the gallery has an impressive history. In on the business, building on the gallery’s col- The Lucas Gallery works with a number of the 1930s and 40s, the gallery was known laboration with Salvador Dali. The gallery contemporary artists, and is currently ex- hibiting pleine aire landscapes by Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson, directors of Etrus- can Places, a landscape painting school in Briefly in Business: Tuscany. Of particular interest to Turtle Bay � Blair Perrone Steakhouse, recently with Mediterranean accents added. residents may be the gallery’s relationship opened at the southwest corner of The restaurant offers TBA members with Howard Kolsin, a watercolorist who 48th Street and Second Avenue, is a a 10 percent discount. 860 Second specializes in views of Turtle Bay. new TBA business member. Owned Avenue. 212-697-9538. Though still officially called the Phyllis by Peter Luger veteran Charlie Blair � Turtle Bay’s neighborhood Buttercup and partner Joe Perrone, the steak- Bake Shop on Second Avenue has Lucas Gallery, the gallery’s canopy out house space has been designed opened its first franchise shop. Lo- front now reads Michael Lucas Gallery. with a handsome wooden bar in cated on West , it too is “The signage is recognition of the fact its center, side dining rooms, and a called Buttercup Bake Shop and has that I’ve become acquainted with so many private tasting room. 212-796-8000; all the delectable cupcakes and cakes neighbors, with whom I’m on a first-name www.blairperrone.com. of its Turtle Bay sister. 212-350-4144; basis,” Michael says. www.buttercupbakeshop.com. � The owners of Don Veitia Restau- And for those neighbors who don’t yet know rant, recently opened at the site of � The Web site address of the Second Michael and his gallery, a visit to this fascinat- the former Captain’s Table, report that Avenue bistro, La Mediterranée, is ing Turtle Bay shop is highly recommended. the chef and staff remain the same as www.lamediterraneeny.com. It was under the previous management, and stated incorrectly in the last issue of Gallery hours: Weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the popular seafood menu is similar, Turtle Bay News. Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 7 June 4, at 1 p.m., and advanced certificate Turtle Bay Happenings Art & Culture students before jury panels at 3:30 p.m. Free. 244 East 52nd Street. 212-753-8811; German House. Singer Inga Rumpf, Summer . Jazz on the Plaza, www.tbms.org. Germany’s “grand dame” of contempo- Center Plaza, Japan Society. As part of the city-wide rary music, performs “An Evening with and 53rd Street, Thursdays at 12:30- Asian Contemporary Art Week starting Inga Rumpf and Friends.” May 23, 6 p.m. 1:45 p.m., through August. Sponsored May 22, the Society will exhibit “Fast 871 United Nations Plaza. Free. Guests by The Midtown Arts Common. Free. Futures: Asian Art Video,” single chan- must RSVP to 212-610-9759 or e-mail Midtown Jazz at Midday, Wednesdays nel video works by leading and emerging [email protected]. Informa- at 1 p.m., St. Peter’s Church, Lexington Asian artists, through June 18. Admis- tion: www.germany-info.org/newyork; and 54th. Admission: $5. 212-935-2200; sion: $5; $3 seniors. 333 East 47th Street. 212-610-9719. www.saintpeters.org. 212-832-1155; www.japansociety.org. Roger Smith Lab Gallery. June 22- Art in the Park. Second annual art show . “Journey Through July 1, artists’ works illustrate “Kamoku,” in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, Sat., June Japanese word for speaking less in order an Inner Landscape: Four Norwegian Art- 10. Works by artists/students of the High to say more. Curated by Rieko Fujinami. ists meet Henrik Ibsen.” Through Sept. 3. School of Art and Design. 212-969-8820. 501 Lexington Avenue. For more infor- Free. Gallery hours: Mon.-Thurs. 12-8 p.m.; mation on the gallery’s frequently chang- Turtle Bay Music School. The public Fri.-Sun. 12-5 p.m. 317 East 52nd Street. ing exhibits, call 212-339-2092 or visit is invited to merit scholarship auditions 212-319-0370; www.trygveliegallery.com. www.rogersmitharts.com. in the Em Lee Concert Hall, Sunday, - compiled by Rita Rowan

United Nations continued from page 1 temporary “swing space” during renovation, tion and then used as permanent offices for ings, Mr. Reuter talked about the options and afterward as permanent space for U.N. U.N. staff once the project was complete. available: staff offices now dispersed around the city. However, the State Legislature, which must This plan would cost upwards of $2.1 billion. approve any parkland conversion, failed to Currently, he said, the preferred plan calls Observers believe it is an unlikely scenario, act on the plan during its 2005 session. Now for the Secretariat building to be renovated and Mr. Reuter does not favor it. there are recent press reports indicating that in four phases, with displaced staff moving Mayor Bloomberg may push to have the to nearby Midtown offices, and a temporary Continuing Reports plan revived in Albany. two-story structure built on the U.N. Park’s At the same time, there are continuing re- North Lawn to house conference facilities ports that the United Nations Development If so, it is believed the building would not during the seven-year project (as reported Corporation, the agency mandated by New be ready in time to be used as “swing space” in the Winter 2006 Turtle Bay News). York State to plan and finance U.N. facili- during renovation, but could be used later Originally, it was anticipated that this plan ties near its headquarters, is going to press as permanent space for staff who are now – which would cost an estimated $1.6 bil- forward with a plan that was stymied by located in other Midtown offices. lion to be paid for with member assessments the New York State Legislature last year. In addition to TBA Board members, among – would be approved by the General As- This option calls for the UNDC to build a those attending the briefings – a session in sembly in March, with preliminary work to permanent 35-story office building on the February and another on April 7 – were State begin shortly thereafter. However, the plan site of , across Senator Liz Krueger, Assemblywoman Syl- has run into opposition from the United from the U.N. It was originally via Friedman, City Councilman Dan Garod- States, whose share of the cost is the larg- intended to be “swing space” during renova- nick, and Community Board 6 members. est: some 22 percent. So Mr. Reuter outlined three alternative op- Yes, I want to join the Turtle Bay Association and help support our community’s quality of life. tions, two of which have been eliminated. Annual Membership Dues One plan called for totally vacating the � Senior $10 � Individual $25 � Family $30 Secretariat during renovation, as a opposed � Business $40 � Benefactor $100 � Pacesetter $250 to a phased approach, with all staff moving Name______. temporarily to rental space in Midtown Address ______Apt______offices. But this proved too expensive and raised security concerns. Another alterna- City ______State ______Zip ______tive was to move ahead with only some Home Phone ______Work Phone______of the renovation needs, a plan that was E-mail ______discounted because the entire facility badly needs repair. And a third option contemplates � I would like to become more involved in TBA activities. a permanent high rise tower on the North Please make your check payable to Turtle Bay Association. Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017 Lawn of the United Nations to be used as

8 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org